Shanghai to Guangzhou by Train
By China Rail Guide Updated 2026-05-31 Fares verified May 2026 against China Railway (12306)
- Fastest
- 6h 14m
- Distance
- 1,810 km
- Trains/day
- 20+
- From
- $122
Shanghai to Guangzhou is one of China’s longest single-ride high-speed journeys — about 1,810 km down the eastern seaboard. The fastest G-trains do it in around 6.5 hours; overnight sleeper trains are a comfortable, cheaper alternative that saves a night’s hotel.
At a glance
- Fastest G-trains take about 6h 14m; most run 6.5–8.5 hours.
- Around 20 trains a day: daytime G-trains plus overnight D-sleepers and slow K-trains.
- Departs Shanghai Hongqiao (上海虹桥), arrives Guangzhou South (广州南) — some use Guangzhou East or North.
- On a long ride like this, a Business Class lie-flat seat or an overnight sleeper berth is worth considering.
Fastest, or cheapest?
This route runs more than one type of train — here's the trade-off:
| Train type | Fastest | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| G — High-speed | 6h 14m | ¥863 / $122 | Fastest (daytime) |
| Overnight sleeper (D 动卧) | ~11h | ¥740 / $104 | Overnight — saves a hotel night |
| K — Slow train | ~22h | ¥189.5 / $27 | Cheapest (very slow) |
Fares by class
High-speed (G/C) seat classes on the main service:
| Class | Price (CNY) | Approx. (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class | ¥863 | $122 |
| First Class | ¥1,291 | $182 |
| Business Class | ¥2,624 | $370 |
Daytime G fares are Shanghai Hongqiao → Guangzhou South; other Shanghai/Guangzhou stations vary. Overnight D-sleepers (berth from ~¥740) and slow K-trains (from ~¥190) are cheaper — see the comparison above. Official China Railway (12306) fares.
Stations & train types
Trains depart from Shanghai Hongqiao and arrive at Guangzhou South or Guangzhou East. Direct trains run this route.
- G — High-speed (up to 350 km/h)
- D — Express EMU (200–260 km/h)
Train or flight from Shanghai to Guangzhou?
A flight looks quicker on paper, but China's domestic flights ask you to arrive about 2 hours early, and airports sit well outside the city. High-speed trains leave from a central station with quick security. Most trains take 6.5–8.5 hours (fastest non-stop 6h 14m). Counting the whole door-to-door trip:
| 🚄 High-speed train | ✈️ Flight | |
|---|---|---|
| On board / in the air | 6h 14m | ~3h 5m |
| Getting there & through | + ~30m (central station, fast security) | + 2h arrive early, + ~1h30m to/from airports |
| Realistic door-to-door | ~6h 44m | ~6h 35m |
Flight time is estimated from route distance; airport arrival and transfer times are typical for China domestic travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Shanghai to Guangzhou?
The fastest daytime G-trains take about 6 hours 14 minutes; most run 6.5 to 8.5 hours. Overnight sleeper (D) trains take around 11 hours, and slow K-trains about 22 hours.
How much is a Shanghai to Guangzhou train ticket?
On the daytime G-trains, Second Class is about ¥863 (~$122), First Class ¥1,291, and Business Class ¥2,624 (Shanghai Hongqiao to Guangzhou South). Overnight sleepers are cheaper (berth from ~¥740) and slow K-trains cheapest (from ~¥190). These are official China Railway (12306) fares.
Is there an overnight train from Shanghai to Guangzhou?
Yes — overnight D-sleeper trains take about 11 hours with proper berths (from ~¥740), and slower K-trains run too. They’re a good way to save a hotel night on this long route.
Schedule and fares reflect China Railway (12306) official services, last verified 2026-05 against live booking data. Times and prices can change — confirm when you book.